Its the summer of 1978, and the song "Hot Child In The City" is blasting out of radios far and wide...on the way to #1! In 2012, Nick Gilder's classic is one of "Jersey's Favorite Hits." But, what do you know about Nick Gilder?

Nick Gilder was born in London in 1951. His family moved to Canada when he was 10, and Gilder was raised in Vancouver. He began his rock career as the front-man for the glam rock group "Sweeney Todd," which later featured a young guy named Bryan Adams.  The band scored a Canadian #1 with the song "Roxy Roller" in 1977...which was barely noticed in the U.S. (#90).

Feeling that they had gained an international audience, Nick Gilder and fellow band member, guitarist and songwriter partner, James McCulloch left "Sweeney Todd" and signed an American record contract. 

Gilder's second solo album, "City Nights" gave radio "Hot Child In The City," which reached #1 in the United States, and Canada. It earned Gilder two  "Juno" Awards: "Single Of The Year," and "Most Promising Male Vocalist Of The Year" in Canada. "Hot Child In The City" earned Gilder a "People's Choice Award" in the U.S. 

In the above video, you get the "album" version of "Hot Child." It is about 20 seconds longer than the single/radio version played on New Jersey 101.5. Enjoy the extra guitar riffs at the end of this well-known song!

Gilder's follow-up release, "Here Comes The Night" stalled at #44 in the fall of 1978. Its my opinion that this song should have done better. Feel free to comment, below!   Nick Gilder's last entry on the pop charts, "Rock Me," landed at #57, a year after Gilder went to #1!

In the years since, Nick Gilder has written songs for artists such as Pat Benatar, Joe Cocker and Bette Midler. "The Warrior," a #1 hit for the band "Scandal" in 1984, was co-written by Gilder. His songs have been featured in movies, and TV series including: "Sex And The City," "That '70s Show" and "Nip/Tuck."

Nick Gilder continues to record and tour in Canada.  He lives in Port Moody, British Columbia, with his family.

Now you know more about Nick Gilder, and one of Jersey's Favorite Hits: "Hot Child In The City."

And, I'll bet you thought Nick Gilder was a "One Hit Wonder!"

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM